Why Are Proofreading and Repair Mechanisms Important?
During DNA replication, DNA polymerases have proofreading abilities that correct errors by excising mismatched nucleotides and replacing them with the correct ones. Additionally, post-replication repair mechanisms like mismatch repair (MMR) and nucleotide excision repair (NER) help maintain genomic integrity. Defects in these mechanisms are often linked to increased cancer risk. For instance, mutations in the MLH1 and MSH2 genes, which are involved in MMR, are associated with Lynch syndrome, a hereditary condition that increases the risk of colorectal and other cancers.
